Nebraska CNA Registry
Verify your certification status, check expiration dates, and find renewal information through the official Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry (maintained by the Nebraska DHHS Licensure Unit - Nursing Support).
Visit Official Registry2 years (24 months)
Renewal Period
At least 8 paid hours of nurse aide work in a Nebraska-licensed health care setting within every 24-month cycle
Work Requirement
Yes
Accepts Reciprocity
Free
Online Lookup
How to Look Up Your Nebraska CNA License
Open the Nebraska License Information System (LISSearch)
Navigate to nebraska.gov/LISSearch/search.cgi. This is the official public license verification portal for all Nebraska DHHS-regulated occupations including nurse aides, medication aides, RNs, and LPNs. No account is required, and there is no fee for verification.
Select Individual Search and enter the candidate's information
Choose Individual Search and enter the nurse aide's first and last name (partial matches accepted) or Nebraska license/registry number. Filter by License Type = Nurse Aide for cleaner results, particularly for individuals who hold dual nurse aide and medication aide credentials.
Review status, findings, and expiration data
Results display License Status (Active, Inactive, or Disciplinary Action), credential type (Nurse Aide or Medication Aide), date issued, renewal due date, and any substantiated abuse or neglect findings. Print the verification page from your browser for HR records; Nebraska does not issue any paper certificates, so the LISSearch printout is the legal verification document.
Confirm by phone for ambiguous records
If a record is unclear or you need a formal letter of good standing for reciprocity to another state, call the DHHS Licensure Unit - Nursing Support team at (402) 471-4322 Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Central, or email [email protected]. Written verification letters are typically issued within 5-10 business days.
About the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry (maintained by the Nebraska DHHS Licensure Unit - Nursing Support)
The Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry is maintained by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health, Licensure Unit - Nursing Support, operating from 301 Centennial Mall South in Lincoln. It is the legal record of every individual who has completed approved training, passed the Nebraska Health Care Learning Center (NHCLC) competency exam, and cleared a Nebraska State Patrol and Adult/Child Protective Services background check.
Nebraska is unusual in that it does not issue any paper certificates or wallet cards - registry status is published only electronically through the Nebraska License Information System (LISSearch) at nebraska.gov/LISSearch. The LISSearch tool is free, publicly available, and is the source employers must use to confirm an applicant's active CNA status before hire. Verification by phone is available through DHHS Nursing Support at (402) 471-4322.
Nebraska's nurse aide system is tightly integrated with the Nebraska Health Care Association, whose Nebraska Health Care Learning Center (NHCLC) administers competency testing at 1200 Libra Drive in Lincoln and at regional partner sites statewide. Testing scheduling, payment, and result delivery flow through nebraskanurseaide.org. There is no fee to be listed on the registry, no fee to renew, and no fee to complete a registry verification.
Contact Information
Official Website
https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/Nurse-Aide.aspxPhone Number
(402) 471-4322Mailing Address
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health, Licensure Unit - Nursing Support P.O. Box 94986 Lincoln, NE 68509-4986 (Physical: 301 Centennial Mall South, 3rd Floor, Lincoln, NE 68508)
Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Central Time
Nebraska CNA Testing Information
Testing Vendor
Nebraska uses Nebraska Health Care Learning Center (NHCLC), an affiliate of the Nebraska Health Care Association to administer the nurse aide competency evaluation. The exam consists of a written (or oral) knowledge test and a skills demonstration.
Visit Nebraska Health Care Learning Center (NHCLC), an affiliate of the Nebraska Health Care AssociationTraining Requirements
Nebraska requires 75 hours of approved nurse aide training (federal minimum) plus an additional 1-hour Nebraska-specific abuse, neglect, and misappropriation course. Training programs must be approved by the state.
Find Nebraska CNA ClassesNebraska CNA Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
Nebraska CNA certification is valid for 2 years (24 months) from the date of initial certification or last renewal.
Work Requirement
You must perform at least At least 8 paid hours of nurse aide work in a Nebraska-licensed health care setting within every 24-month cycle during your certification period to be eligible for renewal.
Employer Verification
Your employer verifies your work hours directly through the registry system. Keep your contact information current with your employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a Nebraska CNA license?
Use the Nebraska License Information System (LISSearch) at nebraska.gov/LISSearch. Select Individual Search and enter the nurse aide's full name or license number. The system returns active or inactive status, registry findings, and expiration information. Employers should also call DHHS Nursing Support at (402) 471-4322 to confirm any unclear record, particularly for transfers and reciprocity cases.
Why doesn't Nebraska issue paper CNA certificates?
Nebraska DHHS made an administrative decision to eliminate paper certificates and wallet cards and instead publish all CNA verification information through the License Information System (LISSearch). The change reduces fraud risk - employers cannot rely on a forged paper card - and aligns Nebraska with its other healthcare licenses, which are also verified electronically. Candidates can print a verification page from LISSearch if needed.
How does Nebraska CNA renewal work?
Nebraska CNAs maintain active registry status by completing at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work in a Nebraska-licensed setting within every rolling 24-month cycle. There is no renewal fee, no continuing education requirement, and no application form to file as long as the employer reports the work hours. CNAs who lapse can be reinstated by completing an approved refresher course and retaking the NHCLC competency exam.
Does Nebraska accept CNA reciprocity?
Yes. Nebraska accepts reciprocity for nurse aides from other state registries who meet at least the federal 75-hour training minimum, hold an active certification, and have no substantiated abuse, neglect, or misappropriation findings on the other state's registry. Applicants submit DHHS reciprocity paperwork along with proof of out-of-state certification and complete a Nebraska State Patrol background check. There is no reciprocity fee.
Who do I contact about a Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry question?
The Nebraska DHHS Licensure Unit - Nursing Support team handles all registry questions. They can be reached at (402) 471-4322 (phone) or (402) 471-1066 (fax), or by email at [email protected]. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Written correspondence goes to P.O. Box 94986, Lincoln, NE 68509-4986.
How long does it take to appear on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry after testing?
After you pass both portions of the NHCLC competency exam, Nebraska DHHS typically updates LISSearch within 7-10 business days. Once your status reads Active in LISSearch, you are legally authorized to work as a CNA in Nebraska. Because Nebraska does not mail a paper certificate, the LISSearch listing is your official verification - print a copy for your records if your employer requires hardcopy documentation.
Nebraska CNA Refresher Topics
Whether you are preparing to renew your Nebraska certification, brushing up before returning to work, or studying for the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry (maintained by the Nebraska DHHS Licensure Unit - Nursing Support) reinstatement exam, these free guides cover the topics most commonly tested:
Patient Rights & HIPAA
OBRA '87 resident rights, mandatory reporting, advance directives — essential for any Nebraska CNA returning to active status.
Infection Control
Standard precautions, PPE protocols, and transmission-based precautions for Nebraska nurse aides working with vulnerable residents.
Safety & Emergencies
Fall prevention, RACE/PASS fire response, choking, and CPR — heavily tested on Nebraska CNA reinstatement exams.
Personal Care & Elimination
Bathing, peri-care, toileting, and incontinence management procedures used daily by Nebraska CNAs in long-term care.
Dementia & Cognitive Care
Validation therapy, sundowning, and de-escalation techniques for working with cognitively impaired residents in Nebraska.
Body Systems & Conditions
Recognizing strokes (FAST), hypoglycemia, pressure injuries, and CHF — essential clinical knowledge for active Nebraska CNAs.
Legal & Ethical Issues
Scope of practice, negligence, mandatory reporting, and professional boundaries — review essentials for any Nebraska CNA renewing certification.
Communication & SBAR
SBAR handoff, therapeutic responses, and adaptations for hearing- or vision-impaired residents — practical refreshers for Nebraska CNAs.
Data Collection & Reporting
Objective vs subjective documentation, pain scales, and what to report immediately — refresh the rules used daily by Nebraska CNAs.
End-of-Life Care
Hospice vs palliative care, recognizing signs of approaching death, and postmortem care — for Nebraska CNAs in long-term care settings.
Becoming a CNA in Nebraska?
See the step-by-step requirements to become a CNA in Nebraska, find approved training programs, or access free study materials.